Advice please on 2nd hand Langster

[Dombo]

Hi All, am considering getting a commuter as the Lemond steed is a bit overkill for Coulsdon - Canary Wharf. Seen this and the guy is asking 300 for it with the upgrades. They are 399 new standard.


[color=#0000FF]2006 Specialized Langster -

Size 54 cm

48t Crank/ 18t freewheel + fixed wheel

Shimano Tiagra Brakes + 105 levers + Dura Ace cables

Specialized Toupe Saddle

100mm Cinelli Stem

I bought this second hand on Gumtree and used it as a commuter for the last 6 months.

In this time I upgraded the stock Tektro brakes and levers to new Shimano Tiagra callipers and 105 levers and fitted Specialized Roubaix handlebar tape (very comfy)

I also replaced the saddle with a Specialized Toupe race saddle which retails for about £70!

I also bought a new rear wheel (Mavic Open rim) with a 'flip flop' hub which gives you the option to ride fixed or free ( £90). Both wheels have Continental Gator Skin tyres which have plenty of life left in them.

I am selling so I can inject some cash into my Cervelo which is itching for new wheels!

The bike is suitable for riders between 5ft6 and 6ft (with stem flipped, as shown)

The componentry upgrades make this a cracking bike ready to hit the streets immediately[/color]

Is it too much d'you reckon?

[Andrew G]

Can't go too far wrong for £300 so long as it's in good condition. Upgrades or not it's still going to be 3rd hand so you could try and haggle a bit on that. The upgrades are only any good if they are ones you want as well.

Gumtree has a reputation for selling nicked stuff so check the frame etc well for scratches or damage to drop outs that may have occured if it was chucked in the back of a van at some point.

I don't like freewheels myself (use gears if you want a freewheel) but that's personal. If you only want fixed then a flip-flop free isn't an extra selling point, could always sell the wheel though or rebuild it with a new double fixed hub.

[Mike I]

Tell the seller you won't be needing the second brake and offer £290.

[Will]

Maybe a touch on the expensive side?

Following the rule that well-used second hand kit should be a maximum of 50% of the original value he's suggesting that the bike is worth £600

I'm not convinced that the extra kit he's added justifies the £200 mark-up from the standard retail price of £400 for a new Langster

I doubt the rear wheel was replaced with the specific intention of upgrading but rather because the original one gave up (the stock wheels on Langsters used to be notorious for being of poor quality)

[Steve W]

You can get a new one from Butlers for £360 with Addiscombe discount.
I'm not sure the 2006 version has a carbon fork like the 2008 and the 18t freewheel is a bit mamby for a London commuter 16 should suffice.
the 100mm Cinelli stem is a bit confusing as most of those would be quill stems.

Tiagra brakes are marginaly better than the Tectro's.

New rear wheel better than the alex rims as standard, but the alex rims will still last a coupe of years of abuse, and of course they come as flip flop as standard

Personally I think he's asking a bit much. Its always a good idea to go on Ebay and check sold items for a gauge of actual street value.

For example I sold a new one on ebay a few months ago for £300 with only 2 weeks commuting in it.

Steve W